Curacao

Practical Info about Curacao

Getting around the city

Getting around Curacao is usually the combined effort of public transport and taxis or rental cars. There are two types of buses in Curacao: traditional metro-style buses and smaller passenger vans. The larger buses (konvoi) run infrequently between major points in the city and cost about ANG 2, while the vans (BUS) charge ANG 1-3 and may be more flexible about routes to get you closer to your destination. Most of the larger hotels also operate free shuttles to the shopping districts in Willemstad. Hiring a car in Curacao is a good way to see the entire island, and cars are available from the airport or in town. Note that streets are often poorly marked and road hazards may include pedestrians, donkeys, goats and iguanas.

Time

Local time is GMT –4.

Electricity

Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50Hz. Two-pronged flat plugs are used.

Currency

The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency is accepted everywhere and the guilder is tied to the US dollar. Large notes in US dollars and guilders may be hard to cash or find change for. Most major credit cards are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US Dollars are useful to avoid additional charges. Banks and exchange bureaux will change foreign currency and ATMs are available.

Communication

The international dialling code for Curaçao is +599. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). There are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers begin with 9 and are typically seven digits. Telephone cards for use at public phones can be purchased at post offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. The island is covered by a GSM 900/1800 network. Internet cafes are available.

Climate

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The climate of Curaçao is idyllic, with plenty of sunny weather and high temperatures all year round. The heat is moderated by pleasant and almost constant trade winds blowing in from the east. The average annual temperature is 81°F (27°C). Curacao lies outside of the hurricane belt, but its tropical location does lay it open to suffering occasional violent storms. These can occur at any time of year. Generally rainfall can be expected between October and February, but it is light and usually falls at night. The most popular time to visit Curacao is between December and April, but this is mainly because people want to escape the colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere and there are school holidays at this time. The tourist low season, between May and November, is actually just as pleasant a time to visit Curacao and the beaches are less crowded and accommodation generally cheaper.

Curacao International Airport

Getting to the city

Car rental

Avis, Budget and Hertz are among the car rental agencies on site at the airport.

Airport taxi's

Taxis are available from the plaza to the right of the arrivals hall exit.

Facilities

The airport has a 24-hour automatic currency exchange machine, banks and ATMs. There is also duty-free shopping, bars and restaurants and a post office.

Parking

There is a parking facility with 300 bays positioned immediately outside the airport terminal. The first 30 minutes cost ANG 3, up to one hour is ANG 4, and each subsequent hour is ANG 1 up to ten hours. The daily rate is ANG 18.50.

Internet

Free wifi is available in the terminal. There are also paid internet workstations on the ground and second floors.